Truth is beauty

The Handbook of Aesthetic Medicine

Aesthetic Medicine has been the subject of much media interest in recent times. The result has been much confusion in understanding of the discipline.

To clarify, I suggest simply referring to the description of Aesthetic Medicine that still appears in the editorial of the scientific journal of SIME. This dates back to 1977, being the origins of the scientific movement but still inspires the discipline to this day:

“Aesthetic Medicine establishes a programme of social, preventive, curative and rehabilitative medicine at the service of the community. Its ultimate goal is the construction and reconstruction of the psychophysical balance.”

SIME, in wanting to support patients, offers a set of criteria to be followed in order to approach cosmetic medicine in the most correct and safest way possible.

1 – Be well informed: do not be content with a newspaper or television article, but consult only certified and competent professionals.

2 – Ask for explanations: be wary of doctors who do not conduct a complete diagnostic examination before performing any treatment. The doctor must explain everything he or she considers doing, the limitations and the possible complications. Always ask the doctor for “informed consent”.

3 – Only turn to certified professionals: verify that the doctor is registered in scientific bodies, with their registration being up-to-date and that they are specifically trained in Aesthetic Medicine.

4 – Prevention is better than cure: start thinking today about how you will be in ten years’ time and be sure to determine the best practices to observe in order to avoid accelerating the passage of time.

5 – Evaluate the alternatives: reflect on the possible methods of intervention and in case of uncertainty choose the least invasive solution. It is true that soft techniques also give soft results, but with these there will also be possible complications.

6 – Say no to “ready and immediate” beauty: be wary of those who promise too much, of magicians and above all trust the advice of the trained professional. Do not insist on wanting “something more” and be wary of those who are content without any investigation.

7 – Request documentation: always have the doctor inform you about the details of the treatments carried out, the drugs used and the protections employed.

8 – Do not take results for granted: do not turn to an aesthetic doctor on a whim.

9 – Clearly explain the aesthetic goal you are seeking: it is not enough to want a result in order to obtain it. Tell the doctor what you want and ensure you are informed about what Aesthetic Medicine is able to do, but above all what it cannot do.

10 – Do not aim for unattainable goals: models are not “real” and the tricks of television are magical, just like retouching photographs.

“For 40 years, this is how we have viewed Aesthetic Medicine: rigorous scientific research, continuous updating and professionalism.